Monday, October 25, 2010

The building of the Otago Central Branch Railway on New Zealand's South Island led to the development of the city of Ranfurly. Within 40 years the Maniototo County Offices were relocated from Naseby which had been by-passed by the railway.

So we have these new offices built in 1935. Not much decoration but there is a horizontal band of plaques level with the top of the window panes each bearing three sets of three overlapping discs. There's that Art Deco 'rule of three' again.

Then below the flagpole on the right hand front corner of the building is a shield showing a horse-drawn waggon disappearing into the distance and a steam train emerging. A wonderful reference to the coming of the railway that gave birth to the town.

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MELBOURNE ART DECO
In 2009 Robin Grow published a book on Melbourne Art Deco, with images largely supplied by David Thompson. The book quickly sold out and he is pleased to say that it has now been re-published by Brolga Press, with updates, errors corrected and a new cover.

Best of all, it is selling for about $25 in the shops and on-line. Art Deco & Modernism Society members can purchase a copy from me for $22, (includes postage within Australia). For overseas orders please email for postage rates. Contact me at robingrow@ozemail.com.au if you are interested, and advise if you would like the book to be dedicated and/or signed.